Idaho Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Idaho facts

Security deposit deadline

21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the lease sets no time; the lease may set a different period but never more than 30 days. Idaho Code § 6-321

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

3 days' written notice demanding payment of the amount due or possession. The notice must state the amount due and the tenant's post-judgment removal period (72 hours for residential tenants). Idaho Code § 6-303(2)

Small claims limit

$15,000 for recovery of money or personal property. Small claims cannot award punitive damages or damages for pain and suffering. Idaho Code § 1-2301 (am. 2026, ch. 196)

Small estate affidavit

If the probate estate's fair market value, minus liens and encumbrances, is $100,000 or less, a successor can collect money owed to the decedent, tangible personal property, and financial instruments (including… Idaho Code § 15-3-1201

Cost of a protective order

No filing fee, service fee, hearing fee or bond is charged for a petition seeking only protection-order relief. Idaho Code § 39-6305

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour. By law, Idaho's minimum wage matches and tracks the federal minimum wage. Workers under 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive days on the job. Idaho Code § 44-1502(1), (3)

Final paycheck if fired

By the next regularly scheduled payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever comes first. Idaho Code § 45-606(1)

Time limit to sue on a debt

5 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability founded on a written instrument. Idaho Code § 5-216